Want to play Final Fantasy XIV, but don’t want to wait until next year for a PS3 version? Well, you could be playing it very soon – if you play PC games, that is.

The second Final Fantasy MMO will make its debut around the world on September 30, 2010 – a lot earlier than the PlayStation 3 version! Not only that, but the beta starts next month – a lot earlier than people expected. For more information on the beta, visit this site.

The game will come in two flavors – a Collector’s Edition (that you can have in your hands on September 22 for $74.99) and a Standard Edition, the latter of which is completely no-frills. Here’s your disc, here’s your game manual, go to town.

The Collector’s Edition, though? That’s another story. That increased price tag nets you a special illustration for the game’s cover (by Yoshitaka Amano), a special in-game item for pre-orderers: the Onion Helm (which accelerates player recovery after falling in battle), eight days of early access (as the earlier release date would imply), a special behind-the-scenes DVD, a Security Token for use with your password (anyone who wants into your account would need both your password and your Security Token), a travel journal filled with concept art and a voucher for a personalized “Right of Passage” certificate.

Both versions include 30 days of free gameplay, but after that, it’s $12.99 a month, which is pretty reasonable for an MMO. However, for each additional character (up to 8), it’s an extra $3.00 per month. And if you want more retainer characters to hold your stuff? After the included one, it’s an extra $1.00 per month. That can add up fast.

Here’s a plot summary and list of features from Square Enix.

In the past, the city-states battled tirelessly, vying for domination and hegemony. Death-mongering beast tribes pillaged the land unchecked, leaving only destruction in their wake. Unseen enemies lurked beyond the borders, striking at the slightest provocation or show of weakness. The history of Eorzea is a tapestry woven of war and strife, stained with the blood of those gone before, and the tears and ash of fallen endeavor.

And yet the love the gods bear this unforgiving land endures, now as always. What is the allure of this seemingly forsaken place? With what hope and to what end do would-be inhabitants journey here to live out their days?

The answer lies with that which gives form to Hydaelyn and all myriad creation in it – crystals. The cornerstone of all things, it is these crystallized manifestations of the aether that beckon the people to come, risking all in the undertaking.

And so it is that adventures too have harkened the call – to bear witness to the epic set to unfold in this land. This Eorzea.

Features

• Conceived and produced by notable FINAL FANTASY developers – Produced by Hiromichi Tanaka (FINAL FANTASY I, II, III, XI) and directed by Nobuaki Komoto (FINAL FANTASY IX, XI), with art direction by Akihiko Yoshida (Vagrant Story®, FINAL FANTASY XII) and musical score by Nobuo Uematsu (FINAL FANTASY series).
• In-depth character creation – Choose a race and clan before going on to customize your avatar’s face, hairstyle, skin color and more, with subtle adjustments allowing for limitless possibilities.
• The Armoury System – With defining emphasis on the game’s weapons and tools, the Armoury System is a unique class system that influences both character development and an individual’s style of play. With it, players have the flexibility and freedom to fight, craft and gather whenever and however they so choose. Simply equipping an item will automatically cause the character to take on the class associated with it.
• Aetheryte transportation – Traverse the realm of Eorzea instantly using this seemingly supernatural teleportation system.
• Solo or party play – Adventure alone or in the company of others as you undertake quests and engage in battles on your travels through Eorzea.